Method and apparatus for fastening steel framing by crimping

ABSTRACT

A punch having wings is driven through framing members and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings to crimp the framing members together. An angular crimping technique where piercing members are driven through framing members in at least two different directions to crimp the framing members together. A fastenerless cinching tool pierces adjacent framing member and crimps the framing members together.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Nos. 60/299,904, filed Jun. 21, 2001, 60/299,901, filed Jun.21, 2001, and 60/299,943, filed Jun. 21, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to steel framing and,more particularly, to an improved cost-effective method for fasteningsteel framing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Steel framing is revolutionizing the construction industry. Steelis a high quality framing material that will not shrink, warp, orattract termites and other wood boring insects. In recent years, theprice of steel has become more competitive with wood and otherconstruction materials. However, despite its advantages, steel framinghas not become prevalent in the residential construction industry. Thelack of a quick and cost effective technique for fastening steel membershas prevented steel framing from emerging as the predominant buildingmaterial in residential construction.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a quick and cost-effectivetechnique for fastening steel members. It is envisioned that the steelfastening technique will be comparable in speed to an air nailer used tofasten wood materials. It is further envisioned that the steel fasteningtechnique will provide a minimal gap between steel members, a pulloutforce of at least 216 lb., a shear force of at least 164 lb., as well ascause minimal destruction of any galvanize coating on the steel members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention discloses various tools and techniques forfastening framing members by crimping the framing members together.

[0006] In a first aspect in accordance with the present invention, apunch having wings is disclosed. The punch is driven through framingmembers and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings tocrimp the framing members together.

[0007] In a second aspect in accordance with the present invention, anangular crimping technique and piercing member to perform the techniqueare disclosed. Piercing members are driven through adjacent framingmembers in at least two different directions to crimp the framingmembers together.

[0008] In a third aspect in accordance with the present invention, afastenerless cinching tool is disclosed. The tool pierces adjacentframing members and crimps the framing members together.

[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. Itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention,are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a steel framing memberhaving two additional steel framing members fastened thereto by arotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of arotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the first preferred embodiment of therotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views, taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 1, illustrating the first preferred embodiment of the rotatablepunch piercing through two steel framing members;

[0015]FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating the rotation of thefirst preferred embodiment of the rotatable punch in the steel framingmembers in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of arotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the second preferred embodiment of therotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIGS. 10 and 11 are bottom views illustrating the rotation of thesecond preferred embodiment of the rotatable punch in the steel framingmembers in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 12 is a side view of a third preferred embodiment of arotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 13 is an illustration of a powered driver device that can beused with the rotatable punch in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of a steel framingmember having two additional steel framing members fastened thereto byan angular crimping technique in accordance with the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 15-15 of FIG.14, illustrating the opposing angles of two piercing members in relationto the two steel framing members in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 15-15 of FIG.1, illustrating a first piercing member driven through the two steelframing members in accordance with the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 15-15 of FIG.14, illustrating a second piercing member in relation to the firstpiercing member that was driven through the two steel framing members inaccordance with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 18 is a top view illustrating the opposing entry angles anddirections of the two piercing members in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 19 is a side view of a powered driver device having twopiercing members that can be used to crimp steel framing memberstogether in accordance with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a steel framingmember having two additional steel framing members fastened thereto by acrimp joint formed by a fastenerless cinching tool in accordance withthe present invention;

[0028]FIG. 21 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of afastenerless cinching tool in accordance with the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 22 is a front view of the first preferred embodiment of thefastenerless cinching tool in accordance with the present invention;

[0030] FIGS. 23-28 are cross-sectional views, taken along line 28-28 ofFIG. 20, illustrating the operation of the first preferred embodiment ofthe fastenerless cinching tool in accordance with the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 29 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of afastenerless cinching tool in accordance with the present invention; and

[0032] FIGS. 30-33 are cross-sectional views, taken along line 28-28 ofFIG. 20, illustrating the operation of the second preferred embodimentof the fastenerless cinching tool in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) ismerely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit theinvention, its application, or uses.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a fragmentary perspective view of alongitudinal steel framing member 12 having two upright steel framingmembers 14 and 16 fastened thereto. Each C-shaped framing memberincludes a bottom wall and two side walls having a thickness in therange from 0.018″ to 0.071″. Additionally, each framing member may rangefrom 33 ksi to 80 ksi as is well known in the art. As will be more fullydescribed below, one or more fasteners 20 may be used to join theupright framing members 14 and 16 to the longitudinal framing member 12.While the following description is provided with reference to thisparticular configuration, it is readily understood that the fasteningtechnique of the present invention is applicable to any two or moreadjacent members made of steel or other material having similarattributes to those of steel.

[0035] In a first aspect in accordance with the present invention, arotatable punching technique is used to join steel framing memberstogether. A first preferred embodiment of a rotatable punch 20 isdepicted in FIGS. 2-7. Punch 20 has a first end 22 and an axiallyopposite second end (not shown). A stem 26 extends axially between firstend 22 and the second end. Stem 26 has a tip 28 proximate first end 22.Tip 28 is configured to pierce and penetrate through steel framingmembers in response to a driving force F applied to punch 20, as will bedescribed in more detail below.

[0036] A pair of wings 30 extend along a portion of a length of stem 26.Wings 30 have a leading edge 32 that is configured to pierce andpenetrate through steel framing members in response to driving force Fapplied to punch 20 as will be described in more detail below. Each wing30 has an engaging surface 34 that engages with steel framing membersand causes them to deform when punch 20 is rotated, as will be describedin more detail below. Wings 30 are curved to facilitate the deforming ofsteel framing members with punch 20. As can be seen, wings 30 andengaging surfaces 34 curve as wings 30 extend along stem 26.Additionally, wings 30 and engaging surfaces 34 also curve as wings 30extend radially outwardly from stem 26. Curvature of wings 30 andengaging surfaces 34 advantageously provide desirable deformation offraming members in response to rotation of punch 20. Preferably, wings30 are spaced evenly about a periphery of stem 26, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] Punch 20 is used to deform steel framing members relative to oneanother to crimp the steel framing members together. To accomplish thecrimping process, tip 28 is positioned adjacent a top surface 70 of twoor more steel framing members, such as 12 and 14. Driving force F isapplied to punch 20 which causes tip 28 and stem 26 to pierce andpenetrate through framing members 12 and 14. Driving force F is appliedto punch 20 until wings 30, as shown in FIG. 5, extend through theopening in framing members 12 and 14 caused by stem 26. Leading edges 32of wings 30 engage with top surface 70 of framing member 12 and theninner surfaces 72 of framing members 12 and 14 when penetrating throughframing members 12 and 14. Leading edge 32 is configured to facilitatethe penetration of wings 30 so that the magnitude of the driving force Frequired to pierce and penetrate through framing members 12 and 14 isminimized. The curved nature of the engaging surfaces 34 of wings 30cause the framing members 12 and 14 to begin to deform as wings 30penetrate through framing members 12 and 14.

[0038] When wings 30 extend completely through both framing members 12and 14 and engaging surfaces 34 are engaged with framing members 12 and14, driving force F is no longer applied. Punch 20, as shown in FIG. 6,is then rotated by rotational torque T in a first direction so thatengaging surfaces 34 on wings 30 engage with inner surfaces 72 offraming members 12 and 14. The rotation causes engaging surfaces 34 todeform inner surfaces 72 which bend over each other and crimp together.After punch 20 has been rotated a number of degrees sufficient to causeframing members 12 and 14 to crimp together, punch 20 is then rotated ina second direction opposite the first direction until punch 20 isproximately in its original orientation before initial rotation began.Punch 20 is then removed from between framing members 12 and 14.

[0039] Punch 20 can be rotated a varying number of degrees to crimpframing members 12 and 14 together. Preferably, punch 20 is rotated inthe range of about 45-135 degrees. However, it should be understood thatit may be possible to obtain satisfactory crimping of framing members 12and 14 together by rotating punch 20 through other degrees of rotationthat provide a sufficient crimp between framing members 12 and 14 so asto fasten the framing members together and meet the above statedrequirements.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, a second preferred embodiment ofpunch 20′ is shown. Punch 20′ is substantially identical to punch 20with the addition of a second pair of wings 30′. As can be seen in FIG.9, wings 30′ are spaced evenly about a periphery of stem 26. When usingpunch 20′ to crimp framing members 12 and 14 together, as can best beseen in FIG. 11, punch 20′ can be rotated through a lesser number ofdegrees than punch 20 due to the additional wings 30′. Preferably, punch20′ is rotated in a range of about 25-60 degrees. Additionally, the useof four wings 30′ provide four separate crimping joints between framingmembers 12 and 14. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, stem26 can have more than four wings 30′ and be within the scope of thepresent invention.

[0041] Preferably, a powered driver device 38, such as that shown inFIG. 13, is used to apply driving force F and rotational torque T topunch 20, 20′ in a controlled and known manner. Powered driver device 38can take a variety of forms, as will be apparent to one skilled in theart. Any powered driver devices capable of applying a driving force Fand then applying a rotational torque T with a controlled amount ofrotation of punch 20, 20′ can be utilized to operate punch 20, 20′ tocrimp framing members 12 and 14 together. When powered driver device 38is utilized, second end of punch 20 can be integral to powered driverdevice 38 so that they form one device that is capable of crimpingframing members 12 and 14 together. Depending upon the speed at whichthe device can drive punch 20, 20′ through the framing members 12 and14, a support for bottom surface 74 of framing member 14 may be needed.Preferably, the powered driver used is a rapid force driver device thatcan punch 20, 20′ in excess of about 45 feet per second. When punch 20,20′ is driven in excess of about 45 feet per second, bottom surface 74will not need to be supported. However, if the powered driver useddrives pin 20, 20′ at or below about 40 feet per second, bottom surface74 may require support. To provide the support, powered driver 38 canhave a C-shaped frame 40 with a backing surface 42 which has an opening44 that allows a portion of punch 20, 20′ to extend therethrough withoutobstructing operation of punch 20, 20′. Backing surface 42 is positionedon bottom surface 74 of framing member 14 to provide support for framingmembers 12 and 14 when punch 20, 20′ is penetrating through framingmembers 12 and 14.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 12, a third preferred embodiment of punch20″ is shown. Punch 20″ is similar to punch 20 with the addition of athreaded portion 48 that extends along a portion of stem 26 between tip28 and wings 30. Tip 28 pierces through framing members 12 and 14. Whenthreaded portion 48 is adjacent top surface 70 of framing member 12,punch 20″ is rotated. Engagement of threaded portion 48 with innersurfaces 72 pulls wings 30″ into the framing members and causes aflaring or knurling of the material thereby fastening framing members 12and 14 together. Punch 20″ does not require the assistance of backingsurface 42 to penetrate through and fasten framing members 12 and 14together.

[0043] Punch 20, 20′, 20″ can be made from a variety of materials.Preferably, punch 20, 20′, 20″ is made from hardened steel. However,other materials, such as tungsten carbide or other strong materialhaving similar characteristics to hardened steel that enable punch 20,20′, 20″ to operate as described to fasten framing members 12 and 14together can be utilized without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0044] In a second aspect in accordance with the present invention, anangular piercing technique is used to fasten the steel framing memberstogether by crimping the framing members together. The angular piercingtechnique uses one or more piercing members 120 which are driven throughframing members at two locations and at opposing angles, as will bediscussed in more detail below.

[0045] Piercing member 120 has axially opposite first and second ends122 and 124. A stem 126 extends between first and second ends 122 and124. The first end 122 has a tip 128 that is configured to allowpiercing member 120 to penetrate through framing members in response toa driving force F applied to piercing member 120.

[0046] Tip 128 has an engaging surface 134 that engages with the framingmembers as piercing member 120 is driven therethrough. Engaging surface134 is configured to deform the framing members as piercing member 120is driven therethrough. Preferably, second end 124 of piercing member120 is attached to a powered driver device 138, as shown in FIG. 19.Preferably, powered driving device 138 has two piercing members 120 thatpenetrate through the framing members concurrently.

[0047] When using a powered driver device, depending upon the speed atwhich the device can drive piercing member 120, a support for bottomsurface 174 of framing member 14 may be needed. Preferably, the powereddriver device used is a rapid force powered driver device that can drivepiercing member 120 in excess of about 45 feet per second. When piercingmember 120 is driven in excess of about 45 feet per second, bottomsurface 174 will not need to be supported. However, if the powereddriver device used drives piercing member 120 at or below about 40 feetper second, bottom surface 174 may require support. To provide thesupport, powered driving device 138 can have a C-shaped frame 140 with abacking surface 142. Backing surface 142 of frame 140 supports bottomsurface 174 of framing member 14 when piercing members 120 arepenetrating therethrough. Backing surface 142 has an opening 144 that isconfigured to allow piercing members 120 to pass therethrough aspiercing members 120 penetrate through the framing members 12 and 14.Powered driving device 138 is configured to drive piercing members 120along axes 145 through framing members 12 and 14 in different directionsand at an angle relative to top surface 170 of framing member 12.

[0048] Alternatively, piercing member 120 can be in the form of apiercing nail 120′, as shown in FIG. 15. Piercing nail 120′ operates thesame as piercing members 120 with the exception that piercing nail120′will remain positioned in framing members 12 and 14 after crimpingthem together whereas piercing members 120 are removed. Piercing member120′ as will be recognized by one skilled in the art can be driven by anair nailer or other well known device that may be adapted to drive thepiercing nails 120′ into the framing members.

[0049] In operation, tips 128 of piercing members 120 are positionedadjacent two or more steel framing members 12 and 14. Powered drivingdevice 138 applies an driving force F to piercing members 120, which arefacing generally opposite directions and angled relative to top surface170 of framing member 12 such that piercing members 120 are notperpendicular to top surface 170. Driving force F is applied to piercingmembers 120 which causes tip 128 and stem 126 to penetrate throughframing members 12 and 14 along axes 145. Engaging surfaces 134 deformframing members 12 and 14 proximate piercing member 120 causing them tofold back or curl upon themselves and thereby crimp together.Concurrently or consecutively, a second piercing member 120 is driven bydriving force F in a direction generally opposite the first piercingmember 120 and also causes tip 128 and stem 126 to penetrate throughframing members 12 and 14. Engaging surface 134 deforms framing members12 and 14 generally in an opposite direction and causes the framingmembers 12 and 14 to curl onto or bend onto themselves thereby crimpingframing members 12 and 14 together. The piercing members 120 are thenbacked out of the framing members 12 and 14 leaving the crimp jointswhich fasten framing members 12 and 14 together. The opposing nature ofthe direction in which the piercing members 120 are driven and theframing members 12 and 14 are deformed lock the framing members 12 and14 together and provides a secure crimped joint that securely fastensframing members 12 and 14 together and meets the above statedrequirements. The angle at which piercing members 120 penetrate throughframing members 12 and 14 relative the top surface 170 effects theamount of deformation or crimping that occurs between framing members 12and 14.

[0050] When piercing nail 120′ is used instead of piercing members 120,the same procedure is followed with an exception that piercing nails120′ remain in framing members 12 an 14 whereas piercing members 120 areremoved. Piercing nails 120′ form part of the joint that crimps framingmembers 12 and 14 together.

[0051] Piercing members 120, 120′, can be made from a variety ofmaterials. Preferably, piercing members 120, 120′ are made from hardenedsteel. However, other materials, such as tungsten carbide or otherstrong material having similar characteristics to hardened steel thatenable piercing members 120, 120′ to operate as described to fastenframing members 12 and 14 together can be utilized without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

[0052] In a third aspect in accordance with the present invention, afastenerless cinching tool 220 is used to form a crimp joint to jointogether two or more framing members. In a first preferred embodiment,as shown in FIGS. 21-28, cinching tool 220 has a piercing member 222that is capable of movement to pierce framing members 12 and 14, as willbe described in more detail below. Cinching tool 220 has a crimpingfinger 223 that rotates about a pivot 224 to crimp framing members 12and 14 together, as will be described in more detail below. A firstportion 225 of piercing member 222 is in the form of a U-shaped channeland has a leading edge 226 that is configured to facilitate piercing ofthe framing members and formation of a flap 227 in the framing members.It should be understood, however, first portion 225 can have a shapeother than U-shaped and still be within the scope of the presentinvention. Flap 227 is U-shaped due to the shape of first portion 225 ofpiercing member 222. A second portion 228 of piercing member 222 isconfigured to cause rotation of crimping finger 223 in response tomovement of piercing member 222. Specifically, axial movement ofpiercing member 222 relative to crimping finger 223 is translated intorotational movement of crimping finger 223 about pivot 224. Tofacilitate the translation of movement of piercing member 222 torotational movement of crimping finger 223, second portion 228 has acurved engaging surface 230. The engaging surface 230 pushes on crimpingfinger 223 which results in rotational movement of crimping finger 223about pivot 224.

[0053] Crimping finger 223 has opposite first and second surfaces 236and 238 and a leading edge 240 extending therebetween. Leading edge 240and first surface 236 engage with flap 227 to form a crimp joint 246between the framing members, as will be described in more detail below.First surface 236 is preferably curved or concave to facilitate thebending and/or deforming of the framing members when forming crimp joint246. Second surface 238 of crimping finger 223 is preferably convex andgenerally complementary to engaging surface 230 of piercing member 222.The convex nature of second surface 238 facilitates the translation ofmovement of piercing member 222 into rotational movement of crimpingfinger 223 about pivot 224. Crimping finger 223 has a spring (not shown)that resists rotation of crimping finger 223 about pivot 224 in responseto movement of piercing member 222 toward the framing members. Thespring acts to bias or return crimping finger 223 back to its originalor noncrimping state when piercing member 222 is moved away from theframing members.

[0054] In operation cinching tool 222 is positioned with leading edge226 of piercing member 222 adjacent a top surface 270 of two or moreadjacent framing members, such as framing members 12 and 14. A drivingforce F is applied to piercing member 222 which causes piercing member222 to move toward framing members 12 and 14. In response to drivingforce F and movement of piercing member 222, leading edge 226 and firstportion 225 pierce framing members 12 and 14 and form flap 227. Whenfirst portion 225 has passed through framing members 12 and 14 apredetermined distance, second portion 228 of piercing member 222engages with second surface 238 of crimping finger 223. Continuedmovement of piercing member 222 toward framing members 12 and 14 causesengaging surface 230 of piercing member 222 to push on second surface238 of crimping finger 223 so that crimping finger 223 begins to rotateabout pivot 224 toward flap 227. The contact between engaging surface230 of piercing member 222 and second surface 238 of crimping finger 223translates driving force F into a rotational torque T which causescrimping finger 223 to rotate about pivot 224. Rotation of crimpingfinger 223 toward flap 227 causes leading edge 240 and first surface 236to engage with top surface 270 of framing member 12 and begin to deformflap 227 so that framing members 12 and 14 bend or fold over uponthemselves. As piercing member 222 continues to move toward framingmembers 12 and 14, flap 227 is deformed sufficiently to form crimp joint246 between framing members 12 and 14. Driving force F is then removedand piercing member 222 is moved relative to crimping finger 223 awayfrom framing member 12 and 14. Movement of piercing member 222 away fromframing members 12 and 14 disengages engaging surface 230 of piercingmember 222 from second surface 238 of crimping finger 223 which allowscrimping finger 223 to return to its normal state due to the spring.Cinching tool 220 can then be moved away from framing member 12 and 14.The crimp joint 246 formed thereby fastens framing members 12 and 14together and satisfies the above-stated requirements.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 29-33, a second preferred embodiment ofcinching tool 220′ is shown. Cinching tool 220′ has a pair of crimpingfingers 223′ that each rotate about separate pivots 224′. Each crimpingfinger 223′ has a leading edge 240′ that is configured to pierce framingmembers 12 and 14. Each crimping finger 223′ has a recess 250 that isconfigured to engage with a ram 252 whose movement is translated intorotational movement of crimping fingers 223′ about pivot 224′, as willbe described in more detail below. Each crimping finger 223′ has firstand second surfaces 236′ and 238′ that engage with framing members 12and 14 during the formation of a crimp joint 246′. First surface 236′ isconcave to facilitate the deformation of framing members 12 and 14 whenforming crimp joint 246′. Second surfaces 238′ of crimping finger 223′are convex to facilitate piercing through framing members 12 and 14.

[0056] Ram 252 is capable of movement relative to crimping fingers 223′to cause crimping fingers 223′ to rotate about pivot 224′ and form crimpjoint 246′. An engaging portion 254 of ram 252 flares outwardly asengaging portion 254 extends towards an end 256 of ram 252. Engagingportion 254 is complementary to recesses 250 in crimping fingers 223′ tofacilitate the translation of movement of ram 252 to rotational movementof crimping fingers 223′ about pivot 224′.

[0057] Cinching tool 220′ has a stop 258 that is configured to engagewith top surface 270 of framing member 12 and control the axialpenetration of crimping fingers 223′ through framing members 12 and 14.That is, stop 258 is dimensioned so that crimping fingers 223′ extendthrough bottom surface 274 of framing member 14 a desired distance thataccommodates a thickness of framing members 12 and 14 and is favorableto forming crimp joint 246′.

[0058] In operation, cinching tool 220′ is positioned with leading edges240′ of crimping fingers 223′ adjacent top surface 270 of framing member12. Driving force F is applied to cinching tool 220′ which causingcrimping fingers 223′ to pierce through framing members 12 and 14. Whenstop 258 engages with top surface 70 of framing member 12, movement ofcinching tool 220′ toward framing members 12 and 14 is ceased. Ram 252is then moved relative to crimping fingers 223′ away from framingmembers 12 and 14. Movement of ram 252 away from framing members 12 and14 causes engaging portion 254 to pull on recesses 250 and crimpingfingers 223′ to rotate about pivot 224′ toward one another. That is,axial movement of ram 252 away from framing members 12 and 14 istranslated into a rotational torque T that causes crimping fingers 223′to rotate toward one another about pivots 224′. Ram 252 continues tomove away from framing members 12 and 14 until crimping fingers 223′have rotated sufficiently to deform framing members 12 and 14 to formcrimp joint 246′. Ram 252 is then moved toward framing members 12 and 14which causes crimping fingers 223′ to rotate away from one another anddisengage from crimp joint 246′. When crimping fingers 223′ have beensufficiently rotated away from one another, cinching tool 220′ can bemoved away from framing members 12 and 14. The crimp joint 246′ formedthereby fastens framing members 12 and 14 together and meets therequirements stated above.

[0059] Crimping fingers 223 can be made from a variety of materials.Preferably, crimping fingers 223 are made from hardened steel. However,other materials, such as tungsten carbide or other strong materialhaving similar characteristics to hardened steel that enable crimpingfingers 223 to operate as described to fasten framing members 12 and 14together can be utilized without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0060] In a variation on cinching tool 220′, crimping fingers 223′ canbe arranged on cinching tool 220′ so that they rotate in an oppositedirection to crimp framing members 12 and 14 together. The fingers 223′are positioned so that the tips on fingers 223′ are adjacent and piercea single opening through framing members 12 and 14. The fingers 223′then rotate away from one another and form two crimp joints.

[0061] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in natureand, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the inventionare intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variationsare not to be regarded as a departure form the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotating punch for crimping two or more framingmembers together comprising: a stem extending between opposite first andsecond ends, said first end having a tip configured to penetrate throughframing members, and said second end being configured to receive adriving force and a rotational torque; and at least two wings membersextending along a portion of said stem between said first and secondends, each of said wing members having a leading edge configured topenetrate through framing members in response to said driving force, andeach of said wing members having an engaging surface configured to causea portion of said framing members proximate said engaging surfaces todeform in response to rotation of said wing members and crimp together.2. The punch of claim 1, wherein said engaging surfaces cause saidframing members to curl in response to rotation of said wing members. 3.The punch of claim 1, wherein said engaging surfaces curve as saidengaging surfaces extend axially along said wings.
 4. The punch of claim3, wherein said engaging surfaces curve as said engaging surfaces extendradially away from said stem along said wing members.
 5. The punch ofclaim 1, wherein said engaging surfaces curve as said engaging surfacesextend radially away from said stem along said wing members.
 6. Thepunch of claim 1, wherein said at least two wing members are four wingmembers.
 7. The punch of claim 1, wherein a portion of said stem betweensaid tip and said wing members is threaded.
 8. The punch of claim 7,wherein said threaded portion is configured to pull said stem throughsaid framing members in response to rotation of said stem.
 9. A methodof crimping two or more framing members together with a rotating punchcomprising the steps of: (a) positioning a tip of a punch adjacent twoor more adjacent framing members; (b) applying an driving force to saidpunch; (c) driving said punch through said framing members with saiddriving force until wings on said punch extend through said framingmembers; (d) rotating said punch in a first direction; (e) deforming aportion of said framing members proximate said punch with said wingmembers as said punch is rotating so that said framing members arecrimped together; (f) rotating said punch in a second direction oppositesaid first direction; and (g) removing said punch from said framingmembers.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein steps (d) and (f) includerotating said punch approximately 45 degrees.
 11. The method of claim 9,wherein steps (d) and (f) include rotating said punch approximately 90degrees.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein step (e) includes deformingsaid portion of said framing members with wing members that curve assaid wing members extend axially along said punch.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein step (e) includes deforming said portion of saidframing members with wing members that curve as said wing members extendradially away from said punch.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein step(e) includes deforming said portion of said framing members with wingmembers that curve as said wing members extend radially away from saidpunch.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein step (e) includes deformingsaid portion of said framing members so that said portions curl.
 16. Themethod of claim 9, wherein step (b) includes applying an driving forcewith a powered driver, and steps (d) and (f) includes rotating saidpunch with said powered driver.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein step(b) includes supporting a surface of said framing members opposite saidpunch with a back plate on said powered driver.
 18. A tool for fasteningframing members together by crimping comprising: a first piercing memberoriented in a first direction and operable to move along a first axis topierce and penetrate through framing members thereby deforming a firstportion of said framing members and forming a first crimp joint; and asecond piercing member offset from said first piercing member andoriented in a second direction different from said first direction, saidsecond piercing member operable to move along a second axis to pierceand penetrate through said framing members thereby deforming a secondportion of said framing members and forming a second crimp joint that inconjunction with said first crimp joint fastens said framing memberstogether.
 19. The tool of claim 18, wherein said second direction issubstantially opposite said first direction.
 20. The tool of claim 18,wherein said first and second axial axes are not perpendicular to saidframing members.
 21. The tool of claim 18, wherein said second portionis adjacent said first portion.
 22. The tool of claim 18, furthercomprising a back plate that supports a surface of said framing membersopposite said piercing members when said piercing members pierce andpenetrate through said framing members.
 23. The tool of claim 18,wherein said piercing members operate concurrently.
 24. A method offastening two or more framing members together by crimping comprisingthe steps of: (a) positioning a tip of at least one piercing memberadjacent two or more adjacent framing members; (b) driving said at leastone piercing member through said framing members in a first directionand at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an outer surface of saidframing members; (c) deforming in said first direction a first portionof said framing members proximate said at least one piercing as said atleast one piercing member is being driven through said framing membersso that said deformation crimps said framing members together; (d)driving said at least one piercing member through said framing membersin a second direction and at a non-perpendicular angle relative to saidouter surface of said framing members with said second direction beingdifferent than said first direction; and (e) deforming in said seconddirection a second portion of said framing members proximate said atleast one piercing member as said at least one piercing member is beingdriven through said framing members so that said deformation crimps saidframing members together.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said atleast one piercing member is two piercing members and steps (b) and (d)are performed concurrently.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein step (d)includes driving said at least one piercing member through said framingmembers in a second direction that is substantially opposite said firstdirection.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein said at least onepiercing member is one of a plurality of piercing nails and steps (b)and (d) include leaving said piercing nails in said framing members. 28.The method of claim 24, wherein steps (b) and (d) include removing saidat least one piercing member from said framing members after said atleast one piercing member has deformed said first and second portions.29. The method of claim 24, wherein step (d) includes driving said atleast one piercing member through said framing member adjacent saidfirst portion.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein steps (b) and (d)include driving said at least one piercing member with a powered driver.31. The method of claim 30, wherein steps (b) and (d) include supportinga surface of said framing members opposite said at least one piercingmember with a back plate on said powered driver.
 32. The method of claim24, wherein steps (b) and (d) include supporting a surface of saidframing members opposite said at least one piercing member with a backplate as said at least one piercing member is being driven.
 33. A toolfor fastening framing members together comprising: a crimping memberhaving opposite first and second surfaces and operable to engage a flapin framing members, rotate about a pivot to deform said flap with saidfirst surface and form a crimp joint that fastens said framing memberstogether; and a piercing member capable of movement relative to saidcrimping member and having a first portion configured to pierce saidframing members and a second portion configured to rotate said crimpingmember, said piercing member being operable to move relative to saidcrimping member, pierce said framing members with said first portion toform said flap, rotate said crimping member with said second portion toform said crimp joint, and withdraw from said framing members.
 34. Thetool of claim 33, wherein said first portion has a generally U-shapedcross section and forms a generally U-shaped flap in said framingmembers.
 35. The tool of claim 33, wherein said second portion of saidpiercing member is curved to facilitate rotation of said crimping memberabout said pivot in response to movement of said second portion.
 36. Thetool of claim 33, wherein said second surface of said crimping member iscurved to facilitate rotation of said crimping member about said pivotin response to movement of said second portion of said piercing member.37. The tool of claim 33, wherein said first surface of said crimpingmember is curved to facillitate deforming said flap.
 38. The tool ofclaim 33, wherein said crimping member is spring loaded to disengageform said piercing member is removed from said framing members.
 39. Atool for fastening framing members together comprising: at least twocrimping members each having a tip configured to pierce framing membersin response to movement of said crimping members and each being operableto pierce said framing members, rotate about separate pivots to deform aportion of said framing members and form a crimp joint that fastens saidframing members together; and a ram capable of movement relative to saidcrimping members and having an engaging portion configured to rotatesaid crimping members, said ram member being operable to move relativeto said crimping members and rotate said crimping members with saidengaging portion to form said crimp joint.
 40. The tool of claim 39,wherein said engaging portion of said ram flares outwardly.
 41. The toolof claim 40, wherein said crimping members each have a recessescomplementary to flaring of said engaging portion.
 42. The tool of claim39, wherein each crimping member has a curved surface that engages withand deforms said portion of said framing members.
 43. The tool of claim39, further comprising a stop that engages with said framing members andlimits movement of said crimping members toward said framing members.44. The tool of claim 39, wherein movement of said ram relative to saidcrimping members away from said framing members causes said crimpingmembers to rotate toward said framing members and movement of said ramrelative to said crimping members toward said framing members causessaid crimping members to rotate away from said framing members.
 45. Thetool of claim 39, wherein said crimping members pierce through saidframing members at a common location and rotate away from one anotherwhen forming said crimp joint.